Reverend D.F. (Doctor Fuller) Lowry (1881–1977) was the first graduate
of Croatan Normal School in 1905. He studied a “Scientific Course” of
Latin, English, mathematics and history night and day for five years.

He would return to the University briefly as principal in 1906 and later
as a member of the Board of Trustees. Rev. Lowry farmed and continued
his studies by mail before moving to Lynchburg, Va., to study at Piedmont
College. He returned home to sell insurance and managed the Pembroke
Supply Company.

An opportunity to become a rural mail carrier in 1919 led to a 30-year career.
He continued in the Methodist ministry and helped organize many churches,
including the First Methodist Church of Pembroke, before retiring from
the ministry at age 72.

The Lowry name is celebrated in local history. Rev. Lowry was the nephew
of Lumbee hero/outlaw Henry Berry Lowry. Rev. Lowry made his mark,
too, leading a movement to adopt “Lumbee” (a
name used by local American Indians for the river) as the official
tribal name. He also helped establish the outdoor drama “Strike at
the Wind!”

Rev. Lowry had eight successful children, including Dr. Earl Lowry, who
served as physician to generals Eisenhower and Patton during World
War II.